AGGRAVATED ROBBERY AT LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE

PRESS RELEASE



The Palestine Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Pitt Stop Store located at North Link St and Kickapoo St. On 01-11-2012 a man entered the store just before closing. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money from the store clerk. The suspect made away with an undetermined amount of money.

Initial information indicates that the suspect may have been a black male wearing black clothing, a black and grey ski mask, and black gloves. The suspect was armed with a black handgun. He was described as being approximately 5’5 with a stocky build. The suspect fled the scene on foot and ran in a westerly direction from the scene.

The Palestine Police Department is currently working some leads into the case. However the Police Department is asking that any person that may have information concerning this or any other matter call the Palestine Police Department at 903-729-2254 or Crime Stoppers at 903-729-TIPS (8477).  

For additional information please contact Sgt. James Muniz at 903-731-8477 or call Detective Nathan Allen at 903-731-8468.     

ARREST MADE IN TRAILER THEFT CASES

PRESS RELEASE

During the past two months, approximately 16 trailers have been reported as stolen to the Palestine Police Department. Detective Cathy Weber was assigned to look into the rash of trailer thefts.

The investigation lead Detective Weber to the city of Bryan, Texas, where with the assistance of Bryan PD, the Palestine Police Department was able to recover seven (7) trailers taken from the City of Palestine and one (1) trailer taken from the Cayuga area of Anderson County. Detective Weber also identified another trailer taken from the City of Jacksonville and alerted the Jacksonville Police Department. The value of the trailers ranged from a couple hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. The approximate total value of the recovered property in this string of cases to date is approximately $11,900.

On 12-27-2011, members of the Palestine PD arrested Gilberto Estrada Vinaja DOB: 07-22-1985 in connection with the trailer thefts. Vinaja was placed in the Anderson County Jail, charged with Theft >= $1,500< $20,000. Bond was set on the case at $8000.00

The investigation is ongoing and other arrests are possible.

For additional information please contact Sgt. James Muniz at 903-731-8477 or call Detective Cathy Weber at 903-731-8422.